Hawaii Licensing Information

How to Get a Business License in Hawaii:

• If you plan to hire at least one employee, contact the Internal Revenue Service (1-800-829-1040) or visit them online to get a Federal Employer’s Identification Number, and to request your w-4, SS-4, Circular E and Publication 334 forms.
• Register your business entity with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
• Apply for your Hawaii business license.
• Contact your city and county government for specific zoning, permitting, and licensing regulations.

Hawaii State Sales Tax:

• Hawaii does not have sales tax.
  • Hawaii collects a general excise tax of 4%, which is assessed on all business activities.
  • Other activities, such as wholesale sales, are taxed at 0.5%. See the general excise tax brochure for more information.
  • Oahu adds a 0.5% surcharge to the general excise tax.

Useful Links:

• Starting a Business in Hawaii
• Hawaii’s Department of Commerce and Consumer’s Affair
• Regulations, Licensing and Permits
• Licensing Forms and Applications
• State of Hawaii’s Department of Taxation- Tax Licenses
• SBA Hawaii
• SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business